What to expect in a PQQ

The pre-qualification questionnaire or PQQ has changed dramatically since its introduction in the 1900s and has continued to evolve as technology and contracting authorities’ demands increase.

However, the idea behind the PQQ remains the same: they are designed to exclude companies and significantly reduce the number of firms that are invited to tender. The whole PQQ process is a process of negating risk for the client or contracting authority. A PQQ will typically ask for:

• Company details
Registered address
Name of person responsible for completing the PQQ
Company Registration Number
VAT Number

• Financial details
Bank details
Bank address

• Business activities
What you actually do and the services you offer

• References from previous clients
Often you will find that when completing a PQQ that this is a simple data section.
In some PQQs you will have the opportunity to write a small amount of narrative: this is where you should always attempt to demonstrate added value

• Insurance details
The specifications of the PQQ will stipulate that a minimum level of limit of indemnity must be held for both public and private liability insurance: often you will find that you are agreeing to have these levels in place by the time the contract is awarded

• Details of any recognised quality management certificates
When completing a PQQ, it is highly recommended, if not essential, to manage the level of quality in the products/services you deliver. It is even better if you have had your quality management system externally audited and certified.

• Copies of your Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and Environmental Management
policies
These are the three most essential policies that you will need to have at hand when completing a PQQ. These all need to be signed, dated, have a date of next review and make reference to compliance with all the most recent relevant Acts.

• Professional and business standing of the organisation and its directors/trustees, for
example, details of any criminal records or bankruptcies
This is a large part of risk negation for the contracting authority. If you realise that you have a criminal record or bankruptcies when completing a PQQ, this is not the end of the world: contact us if you are not sure how to turn a negative into a positive.

• Examples of relevant experience in the service area of the contract
When completing a PQQ this is often the first opportunity to make your company shine. You should always make sure your examples are relevant and make sure you include any innovations or added value you brought to the contract, this could include a cost saving initiative.

• First indications of how you propose to deliver the service.
This is another good opportunity to make your company stand out when you are completing a PQQ. You don’t want to throw everything you have at this section, you should always hold something back for the ITT. It is also very easy to go over the word count in this section, so always be wary.

These are the basic elements that you will, more often than not, encounter when completing a PQQ. If you are struggling to get through to the ITT stage of the contracting process, contact us today and we will be able to complete the PQQ for you and show you how to make your company really stand out.